Unidirectional endotaxial cobalt di-silicide nanowires on Si(110) substrates.
Self-organized growth of well-ordered endotaxial silicide nanowires (NWs) on clean Si(110) surfaces has been investigated by in situ scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Co deposition on clean Si(110) reconstructed surfaces at ∼600 °C produces unidirectional CoSi2 NWs by reaction of cobalt with the hot silicon substrate. STM investigations reveal four major types of distinct NWs, all growing along the [-110] in-plane direction except one type growing along the in-plane [-113] direction. There are also some nanodots. The cross-sectional TEM measurements show that the unidirectional NWs are of two types-flat-top and ridged. The NWs grow not only on the substrate but also into the substrate. CoSi2 in flat top NWs are in the same crystallographic orientation as the substrate Si and the buried interfaces between CoSi2 and Si are A-type. In the ridged NWs CoSi2 and Si are in different crystallographic orientations and the interfaces are B-type. The ridged NWs are in general wider and grow deeper into the substrate.


Synthesis of luminescent ethynyl-extended regioisomers of borate complexes based on 2-(2'-hydroxyphenyl)benzoxazole.
A series of thirteen luminescent tetrahedral borate complexes based on the 2-(2'-hydroxyphenyl)benzoxazole (HBO) core is presented. Their synthesis includes the incorporation of an ethynyl fragment by Sonogashira cross-coupling reaction, with the goal of extending the conjugation and consequently redshifting their emission wavelength. Different regioisomers, substituted in the 3-, 4-, or 5-position of the phenolate side of the HBO core, were studied in order to compare their photophysical properties. The complexes were characterized by X-ray diffraction and NMR, UV/Vis, and emission spectroscopy in solution and in the solid state. In all cases, complexation to boron leads to a donor-acceptor character that impacts their photophysical properties. Complexes with a 3- or 5-substituted fragment display mild to pronounced internal charge transfer (ICT), a feature strengthened by the presence of p-dibutylaminophenylacetylene in the molecular structure, protonation of the nitrogen atom of which leads to a significant blueshift and an increase in quantum yield. On the contrary, when the ethynyl module is grafted on the 4-position, narrow, structured, symmetrical absorption/emission bands are observed. Moreover, the fact that protonation has little effect on the emission maximum wavelength reveals singlet excited-state decay. Solid-state emission properties reveal a redshift compared to solution, explained by tight packing of the π-conjugated systems and the high planarity of the dyes. Subsequent connection of these complexes to other photoactive subunits (BODIPY, Boranil) provides dyads in which efficient cascade energy transfer is observed.


Alleviation of hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia by Phyllanthus virgatus forst extract and its partially purified fraction in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.
Since, we previously demonstrated that sequentially extracted methanolic fraction showed marked antioxidant and antidiabetic property in vitro, the present study was design to evaluate the beneficial effects of Phyllanthus virgatus methanolic extract and its partially purified fraction on hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. The plant extract was subjected to repeated thin layer chromatographic fractionation followed by GC-MS analysis of active fraction. TLC data illustrated the presence of six prominent bands and the prelimnary screening of these bands against α-amylase inhibitory activity showed that the band with Rf value 0.514 has marked inhibitory property (IC50, 48 µg/ml). The diabetic rats were treated for four weeks with methanolic extract of P. virgatus (50 and 10 mg/rat/day), partially isolated active fraction (0.5 and 0.1 mg/rat/day) and glibenclamide (0.1 mg/rat/day). The level of fasting blood glucose (FBG), hemoglobin, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and insulin were significantly alleviated in plant extract and partially purified fraction treated group after 28 days of administration. Moreover, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), very low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-C) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were also markedly ameliorated in the entire treatment group, with a maximum restoration observed in group treated with partially purified fraction (0.5 mg/rat/day). The results demonstrate a strong antidiabetic and hypolipidemic impact of plant extract and its partially purified fraction coupled with their potent antioxidative property, which can provide additional benefits in the inhibition of oxidative stress and hence in the prevention and treatment of diabetes as well as diabetes linked hyperlipidemia.


Inguinal and anorectal Lymphogranuloma Venereum: a case series from a sexually transmitted disease center in Rome, Italy.
Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a sexually transmitted infection caused by L1, L2, L3 serovars of C. trachomatis (CT). Since 2003, LGV cases have been increasing in Europe. Aim of this report is to describe the LGV cases diagnosed in the largest STI center in Rome, Italy, from 2000 to 2016. This report shows that two clinically and epidemiologically different series of cases exist, and that, at present, the ano-rectal LGV represents the clinical variant occurring more frequently among men having sex with men (MSM), particularly those HIV-infected. Ten cases of LGV were observed. Three were diagnosed in 2009 in HIV-negative heterosexuals patients that presented the classical genito-ulcerative form with lymphadenopathy. Seven cases were observed in 2015-2016 in HIV-infected MSM, that presented the rectal variant and L2b serovar infection; 4 of these had been misclassified as a chronic bowel disease. Chlamydia infection was confirmed by CT-specific PCR (ompA gene nested PCR), followed by sequence analysis to identify the serovar. All the patients were treated with doxycycline for 3 weeks, obtaining a complete response with healing of both clinical symptoms and dermatological lesions. Our findings suggest that, in case of persistent rectal symptoms in HIV-infected MSM, LGV should be taken into account and investigated through molecular analyses, in order to achieve a correct diagnosis and management of the patients.


Integrating psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy.
In recent years, the dichotomy between psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy vis-à-vis the treatment of mood disorders has begun to be resolved as the benefits of integrating the two modalities are increasingly recognized. This new understanding has expanded the scope of successful treatment, but it has also complicated the process of making decisions about appropriate treatment. The author reviews the literature, illustrates some of the complex issues with case examples, and suggest guidelines for the mental health clinicians who must make such treatment decisions.


Male acceptance of affirmative action programs for women: the results of altruistic or egoistical motives?
It has been argued in the past that self-interest plays an important role in the reaction of men to affirmative action programs that are designed to promote women in non-traditional jobs. In the main, this hypothesis has received limited support apparently because the conception of self-interest was understood in terms of one's private well-being. It is clear, however, that self-interest also refers to group status or position in society. In this study self-interest was measured through the concept of collective relative deprivation. The effects of relative deprivation on behalf of others, and the procedure employed to implement affirmative action programs on men's attitudes toward these programs were also assessed. One hundred and forty-five male managers or professionals participated in the study. According to predictions, results show that collective relative deprivation and preferential treatment for women have negative effects on affirmative action attitudes. Findings are thus supportive of the broader conception of self-interest and relative deprivation arguments. Finally, the positive link between relative deprivation on behalf of others and affirmative action indicates that men who disapprove of sex inequalities support these programs.


Influence of ultrasound-induced hyperthermia and X-irradiation on the incidence of metastases from a solid tumor.
The KHT sarcoma transplanted into mouse legs was treated by X-irradiation, hyperthermia or a combination of X-irradiation plus hyperthermia. Neither 20 Gy of X-irradiation or hyperthermia for 60 min were effective in controlling the local tumors when used alone. Simultaneous treatments, however, resulted in 22% of the tumors being locally controlled corresponding to a TER of 2.0. Local control was increased when irradiation was given 1 h before or after hyperthermia, TER 2.8 and was maximum, TER 2.9, when the hyperthermia was 0.1 h after irradiation. When the local tumor was controlled by irradiation alone or by irradiation delivered 1 h before or after hyperthermia, all of the metastases that subsequently occurred arose before or during treatment. When tumors were locally controlled by radiation given during or immediately after hyperthermia, metastases developed that must have occurred as a consequence of the treatment. The treatment sequence that resulted in a maximum TER for tumor control did not correlate with the risk of metastatic spread. The timing of the irradiation in relation to hyperthermia may explain some contradictory findings regarding the influence of heat on the incidence of metastases. Hyperthermia did not affect the distribution of anatomic sites involved with metastases or the ratio of lymphatic to hematogenously spread metastases.


[Clinical studies for genitourinary anomalies with anorectal malformations].
Anorectal malformations involve genitourinary anomalies frequently. In this study, the treatment and prognosis for genitourinary anomalies in 8 patients with anorectal malformations were discussed. All patients were men (range 1 to 14 years). Seven of them showed high types of anorectal malformations and one low type. Five patients were managed surgically. Among them, 3 were treated successfully, but the outcome was not good for 2 patients. These 2 patients have been followed up under careful observation. The treatment could not be performed on one patient with poor bowel function. In this series, successful results were obtained on patients with a low degree of anomalies. However, there were hazard problems in patients with a high degree of anomalies. Neurogenic bladder was included among these problems. It is difficult to diagnose and treat genitourinary anomalies on a newborn baby with anorectal malformations, when these anomalies might be complicated with other severe anomalies such as congenital heart diseases. In such cases, genitourinary anomalies should be treated as conservatively as possible until the patient's condition has improved.


Changes in blood protein glycosylation during a diabetes summer camp.
To evaluate changes in glycemic control during a 2-wk diabetes summer camp program, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycosylated hemoglobin (GHb), and glycosylated serum protein ( GSP ) levels were measured in a group of 36 children at the beginning and end of camp. Average FPG and GHb were unchanged during the 2-wk period, but the average decrease in GSP (7%) was significant (P less than 0.005). The results of this study indicate that a measurable improvement in diabetic control occurred in some children during the 2-wk summer camp program.


Improvement in relapse-free survival throughout the PSA era in patients with localized prostate cancer treated with definitive radiotherapy: year of treatment an independent predictor of outcome.
In patients treated with radical prostatectomy in the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) era, it has been demonstrated that the year of treatment in the PSA era is associated with better pathologic parameters and outcomes, independently of other well-recognized parameters such as clinical stage, pretreatment PSA level, or Gleason score. The purpose of the present study was to study a similar phenomenon with definitive radiotherapy (RT). The inclusion criteria were as follows: clinical Stage T1-T2, available pretreatment PSA level and biopsy Gleason score, treatment delivered before January 2000 with standard fractionation external beam radiotherapy to at least 70 Gy, no adjuvant androgen deprivation (AD), all neoadjuvant AD limited to < or =6 months, and a minimum of 3 years of PSA follow-up. A total of 467 cases treated between January 1986 and December 1999 were included. Short-course AD in the adjuvant or neoadjuvant setting for < or =6 months was given in 124 cases (27%). The median radiation dose was 74 Gy (range 70.0-78.0). A conformal technique was used in 293 cases (63%). The median follow-up was 62 months (range 37-189). A total of 4931 follow-up PSA levels were available for analysis (average 11 per patient). A multivariate analysis for factors affecting biochemical relapse-free survival rates using the proportional hazards model was performed for all cases using the following variables: age (continuous variable), race (black vs. white), clinical T stage (T1-T2a vs. T2b-T2c), pretreatment PSA (continuous variable), biopsy Gleason score (continuous variable), use of AD (yes vs. no), radiation dose (continuous variable), and year of treatment (continuous variable: 1986-1999). The projected 8-year biochemical relapse-free survival rate was 74%. The projected 5-year biochemical relapse-free survival rate for the 143 patients treated in the 1986-1995 period was 58% vs. 82% for the 324 patients treated in the 1996-1999 period (p <0.001). The difference was attributable to a multitude of factors (earlier stage cancer, higher radiation doses, shorter follow-up). To study the confounding effects of these factors on the year of therapy, a multivariate analysis was performed. The multivariate analysis revealed the initial PSA level (p <0.001), Gleason score (p <0.001), RT dose (p = 0.045), and year of treatment (p <0.001) to be independent predictors of outcome. Age (p = 0.41), race (p = 0.14), T stage (p = 0.10), and use of AD (p = 0.58) were not. When controlling for tumor, treatment, and follow-up parameters, the year in which RT was performed was still an independent predictor of outcome, consistent with observations made for radical prostatectomy patients. This indicates a more favorable presentation of localized prostate in current years probably related to a combination of factors such as screening and increased patient awareness leading to earlier diagnosis. Outcome predictions should be based on contemporaneous series.


Exploring the associations between the perception of water scarcity and support for alternative potable water sources.
This study examines the association between the perception of water scarcity and support for alternative water sources in general, and specifically desalination and recycled water. It also examines the mediating role that perception of climate change has on the aforementioned association. A 46-item survey (n = 588) was conducted in the Geelong region of Australia. Logistic regression was used to determine the independent association between perceived water scarcity and socio-demographic factors, with support for alternative water sources, desalination and recycled water. 82% of respondents supported undefined 'alternative water sources'. However, support for specific alternatives was lower (desalination: 65%; recycled water: 40.3%). Perception of water scarcity was significantly associated with increased odds of support for alternative water sources (OR 1.94, 95% CI: 1.25-3.00) and support for recycled water (OR 2.32, 95% CI: 1.68-3.31). There was no significant relationship between perception of water scarcity and support for desalination (OR 0.959 95% CI: 0.677-1.358). Climate change was found to mediate perceived water scarcity and support for alternative sources (OR 1.360, 95% CI: 0.841-2.198). The mediation of the relationship between perceived water scarcity and support for recycled water by climate change was not strong. These results facilitate enhanced community engagement strategies.


Neuronal expression of ILEI/FAM3C and its reduction in Alzheimer's disease.
Decrease in brain amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation is a leading strategy for treating Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the intrinsic mechanism of the regulation of brain Aβ production is largely unknown. Previously, we reported that ILEI (also referred to as FAM3C) binds to the γ-secretase complex and suppresses Aβ production without inhibiting γ-secretase activity. In this study, we examined ILEI expression in mouse brain using immunohistochemistry and subcellular fractionation. Brain ILEI showed widespread expression in neurons and ependymal cells but not in glial and vascular endothelial cells. Neuronal ILEI resided in perinuclear vesicular structures, which were positive for a marker protein of the trans-Golgi network. Although ILEI immunostaining was negative at synaptic terminals, synaptosome fractionation analysis suggested that ILEI was enriched in presynaptic terminals, particularly in the active zone-docked synaptic vesicles. ILEI expression levels in brain peaked during the postnatal period and declined with age. In comparison with age-matched control brains, the number of ILEI-immunoreactive neurons decreased in AD brains, although the subcellular localization was unaltered. Our results suggest that a decline of ILEI expression may cause accumulation of Aβ in the brain and the eventual development of AD.


Identification of endothelial and mesothelial cells in human omental tissue and in omentum-derived cultured cells by specific cell markers.
Human omental tissue has been used as a source for the isolation and cultivation of microvascular endothelial cells, but also for mesothelial cells. Since both cell types have several morphologic and functional features in common, concerns were raised whether endothelial cells can be separated from mesothelial cells by the methods described for the isolation of microvascular endothelial cells. In the present study, endothelial cells were identified in the capillaries of native human omentum by several endothelial-cell specific markers. von Willebrand factor was demonstrated by polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies, a lectin-specific ligand by Ulex europaeus I, and an endothelial-cell specific surface epitope by the monoclonal antibody, PAL-E. These markers were not found positive with mesothelial cells of native omentum. Mesothelial cells were identified by monoclonal antibodies against the intermediate filaments, cytokeratin and vimentin. After having demonstrated the specificity of the methods for the distinction between endothelial and mesothelial cells within native omentum, these methods were applied to omentum-derived cells previously claimed to be microvascular endothelial cells. These cultured cells proved to be negative for von Willebrand factor, Ulex europaeus I ligand and PAL-E epitope. In contrast to this, the cultivated cells stained positive to cytokeratin and vimentin. Furthermore, it was shown by immunoprecipitation studies that omentum-derived cells did not synthesize and secrete vWF, indicating the nonendothelial nature of these cells. Finally, electron microscopy demonstrated microvilli on the surface of cultivated omentum-derived cells indicative for the mesothelial origin of these cells. The data presented demonstrate that the cells obtained using the previously published methods for the isolation and cultivation of "microvascular endothelial cells" from omental tissue are of mesothelial and not of endothelial origin. Thus, a great number of data obtained with this type of omentum-derived cells thought to be microvascular endothelial cells need re-evaluation.


Quantum Drude friction for time-dependent density functional theory.
Friction is a desired property in quantum dynamics as it allows for localization, prevents backscattering, and is essential in the description of multistage transfer. Practical approaches for friction generally involve memory functionals or interactions with system baths. Here, we start by requiring that a friction term will always reduce the energy of the system; we show that this is automatically true once the Hamiltonian is augmented by a term of the form integral a(q;n(0)) x [partial differential j(q,t)/partial differential t] x J(q)dq, which includes the current operator times the derivative of its expectation value with respect to time, times a local coefficient; the local coefficient will be fitted to experiment, to more sophisticated theories of electron-electron interaction and interaction with nuclear vibrations and the nuclear background, or alternately, will be artificially constructed to prevent backscattering of energy. We relate this term to previous results and to optimal control studies, and generalize it to further operators, i.e., any operator of the form integral a(q;n(0))[partial differential c(q,t)/partial differential t] x C(q)dq (or a discrete sum) will yield friction. Simulations of a small jellium cluster, both in the linear and highly nonlinear excitation regime, demonstrate that the friction always reduces energy. The energy damping is essentially double exponential; the long-time decay is almost an order of magnitude slower than the rapid short-time decay. The friction term stabilizes the propagation (split-operator propagator here), therefore increasing the time-step needed for convergence, i.e., reducing the overall computational cost. The local friction also allows the simulation of a metal cluster in a uniform jellium as the energy loss in the excitation due to the underlying corrugation is accounted for by the friction. We also relate the friction to models of coupling to damped harmonic oscillators, which can be used for a more sophisticated description of the coupling, and to memory functionals. Our results open the way to very simple finite grid description of scattering and multistage conductance using time-dependent density functional theory away from the linear regime, just as absorbing potentials and self-energies are useful for noninteracting systems and leads.


[A case of heterochrony and ectopic recurrence of a gastric signet ring cell carcinoma following partial gastrectomy].
A 53-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with a round, discolored lesion measuring 4mm in diameter that was identified as a minute gastric signet ring cell carcinoma. According to the Japanese classification of gastric carcinoma, it was graded as type 0-IIb. Seven years back, the woman had undergone pylorus-side gastrectomy for a small signet ring cell carcinoma, and the present lesion was assumed to result from heterochrony and ectopic recurrence. Endoscopic submucosal dissection was performed for the minute lesion. Clinicopathological findings revealed gastric mucosal cancer without invading lymph vessels or veins, similar to the previous lesion. We therefore report two very rare lesions in the same case. This case report demonstrates the importance of performing regular follow-up gastroduodenoscopy to detect recurrence in patients with these lesions.


Morphology and molecular phylogeny of Ortholinea mullusi sp. nov. (Myxozoa) in Mullus barbatus from the Black Sea.
Myxosporeans of the genus Ortholinea have a worldwide distribution and infect organs and tissues of exclusively marine fishes. Here we describe the morphological and molecular characteristics of Ortholinea mullusi sp. nov. parasitizing the urinary bladder and kidney tubules of red mullet Mullus barbatus collected from the coastal zone of Sinop in the Black Sea, Turkey. Polysporic plasmodia with immature spores were either elongate, 37.0 ± 4.5 SD (30-50) µm long and 45.0 ± 3.8 (40-55) µm wide, or were round, up to 100.0 µm in diameter. Mature, free spores were spherical in the frontal view and measured 9.3 ± 0.2 (9.0-9.7) µm in length, 8.7 ± 0.3 (8.2-9.3) µm in width and 7.7 ± 0.1 (7.5-7.9) µm in thickness. We observed 2 polar capsules of equal size, which measured 3.1 ± 0.1 (3.0-3.2) µm long by 2.5 ± 0.1 (2.4-2.6) µm wide, and the tips of the polar capsules were open towards the sutural line. The prevalence of infection by O. mullusi sp. nov. was 24.5%. Phylogenetic analysis based on nuclear small subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU rDNA) clearly suggested O. mullusi to be a new species, clustered within a lineage comprising O. labracis and O auratae. Pairwise nucleotide similarities and DNA distance values between O. mullusi sp. nov. and sister Ortholinea species also supported this suggestion.


How forelimb and hindlimb function changes with incline and perch diameter in the green anole, Anolis carolinensis.
The range of inclines and perch diameters in arboreal habitats poses a number of functional challenges for locomotion. To effectively overcome these challenges, arboreal lizards execute complex locomotor behaviors involving both the forelimbs and the hindlimbs. However, few studies have examined the role of forelimbs in lizard locomotion. To characterize how the forelimbs and hindlimbs differentially respond to changes in substrate diameter and incline, we obtained three-dimensional high-speed video of green anoles (Anolis carolinensis) running on flat (9 cm wide) and narrow (1.3 cm) perches inclined at 0, 45 and 90 deg. Changes in perch diameter had a greater effect on kinematics than changes in incline, and proximal limb variables were primarily responsible for these kinematic changes. In addition, a number of joint angles exhibited greater excursions on the 45 deg incline compared with the other inclines. Anolis carolinensis adopted strategies to maintain stability similar to those of other arboreal vertebrates, increasing limb flexion, stride frequency and duty factor. However, the humerus and femur exhibited several opposite kinematic trends with changes in perch diameter. Further, the humerus exhibited a greater range of motion than the femur. A combination of anatomy and behavior resulted in differential kinematics between the forelimb and the hindlimb, and also a potential shift in the propulsive mechanism with changes in external demand. This suggests that a better understanding of single limb function comes from an assessment of both forelimbs and hindlimbs. Characterizing forelimb and hindlimb movements may reveal interesting functional differences between Anolis ecomorphs. Investigations into the physiological mechanisms underlying the functional differences between the forelimb and the hindlimb are needed to fully understand how arboreal animals move in complex habitats.


Can water store charge?
Previous work from this and other laboratories has demonstrated large pH gradients in water. Established by passing current between immersed electrodes, pH gradients between electrodes were found to disappear slowly, persisting for tens of minutes after the current had been turned off. We find here that these pH gradients reflect a genuine separation of charge: at times well after disconnection of the power supply, current could be drawn through a resistor placed between the charging electrodes or between pairs of electrodes positioned on either side of the midline between original electrodes. In some experiments, it was possible to recover the majority of charge that had been imparted to the water. It appears, then, that water has the capacity to store and release substantial amounts of charge.


Evaluation of gastric processing and duodenal digestion of starch in six cereal meals on the associated glycaemic response using an adult fasted dynamic gastric model.
To identify the key parameters involved in cereal starch digestion and associated glycaemic response by the utilisation of a dynamic gastro-duodenal digestion model. Potential plasma glucose loading curves for each meal were calculated and fitted to an exponential function. The area under the curve (AUC) from 0 to 120 min and total digestible starch was used to calculate an in vitro glycaemic index (GI) value normalised against white bread. Microscopy was additionally used to examine cereal samples collected in vitro at different stages of gastric and duodenal digestion. Where in vivo GI data were available (4 out of 6 cereal meals) no significant difference was observed between these values and the corresponding calculated in vitro GI value. It is possible to simulate an in vivo glycaemic response for cereals when the gastric emptying rate (duodenal loading) and kinetics of digestible starch hydrolysis in the duodenum are known.


Functional characterization of a tobacco matrix attachment region-mediated enhancement of transgene expression.
TM2, a new matrix attachment region (MAR) isolated from tobacco, increases transgene expression in plants. We have carried out a more detailed analysis of the DNA elements in TM2 with the aim of improving its effect on transcription activation. Our study of the location effect of individual MARs on the expression of the adjacent 35S:gusA cassette indicated that the TM2 functions in a bidirectional manner, with the 5'-MAR being more efficient in enhancing beta-glucuronidase expression than the 3'-MAR. The influence of 5'-MAR on different linked mini-promoters in transgenic tobacco cells suggested that the role of TM2 depends on the basic expression of the transgenes. Deletion analysis of one topo II site and two unwinding sites together with one T-box revealed that all these sites contribute most (93.3%) of the transcription activation mediated from the TM2 sequence. Additionally, micrococcal nuclease accessibility of the 35S promoter region can be strengthened by linked TM2, suggesting that the TM2 mediates the spreading of nucleosome opening. Taken together, our results reveal that the TM2 mediates a more open and accessible chromatin DNA structure for promoter-dependent active transcription, which in turn enhances transgene expression.


Fire disturbance disrupts an acacia ant-plant mutualism in favor of a subordinate ant species.
Although disturbance theory has been recognized as a useful framework in examining the stability of ant-plant mutualisms, very few studies have examined the effects of fire disturbance on these mutualisms. In myrmecophyte-dominated savannas, fire and herbivory are key drivers that could influence ant-plant mutualisms by causing complete colony mortality and/or decreasing colony size, which potentially could alter dominance hierarchies if subordinate species are more fire resilient. We used a large-scale, replicated fire experiment to examine long-term effects of fire on acacia-ant community composition. To determine if fire shifted ant occupancy from a competitive dominant to a subordinate ant species, we surveyed the acacia-ant community in 6-7 yr old burn sites and examined how the spatial scale of these burns influenced ant community responses. We then used two short-term fire experiments to explore possible mechanisms for the shifts in community patterns observed. Because survival of ant colonies is largely dependent on their ability to detect and escape an approaching fire, we first tested the evacuation response of all four ant species when exposed to smoke (fire signal). Then to better understand how fire and its interaction with large mammal herbivory affect the density of ants per tree, we quantified ant worker density in small prescribed burns within herbivore exclusion plots. We found clear evidence suggesting that fire disturbance favored the subordinate ant Crematogaster nigriceps more than the dominant and strong mutualist ant C. mimosae, whereby C. nigriceps (1) was the only species to occupy a greater proportion of trees in 6-7 yr old burn sites compared to unburned sites, (2) had higher burn/unburn tree ratios with increasing burn size, and (3) evacuated significantly faster than C. mimosae in the presence of smoke. Fire and herbivory had opposite effects on ant density per meter of branch for both C. nigriceps and C. mimosae, with fire decreasing ant densities per meter of branch and the presence of large herbivores increasing ant density. Taken together, these experiments suggest that major ecosystem disturbances like fire can disrupt mutualistic associations and maintain diversity in partner quality and identity despite a clear dominance hierarchy.


Aging, respiratory efforts during sleep, and pulsus paradoxus.
Forty patients with either obstructive sleep apnea syndrome or a clinical complaint of daytime sleepiness with measured nocturnal increase in upper airway resistance and snoring were investigated during sleep for the presence of pulsus paradoxus, which is defined as a decrease in systolic blood pressure (SBP) of at least 10 mmHg during inspiration. Two thirds of the subjects presented pulsus paradoxus. Age, lowest oxygen saturation (SaO2), and negative inspiratory esophageal pressure nadir (an index of inspiratory effort) were the only studied variables which could statistically dissociate patients presenting pulsus paradoxus. We then divided the patient population into three different subgroups of equal number based upon the degree of decrease in SBP (i.e., > 20 mmHg, < 20 but > 10 mmHg, and < 10 mmHg). In this second analysis, age was the only significant variable that separated the three groups. Lowest SaO2 could not be used to statistically separate subjects with mild to moderate pulsus paradoxus from those without it; and negative inspiratory esophageal pressure measurements could only significantly identify subjects with severe pulsus paradoxus (i.e., > 20 mmHg) from those without any pulsus paradoxus. The variable which correlated best with age was negative inspiratory esophageal pressure nadir (R = 0.83). Our interpretation is that as age increased, negative inspiratory esophageal pressure became less negative, due to the known impact of aging on muscles, and pulsus paradoxus was no longer observed.


NADPH-flavodoxin reductase and flavodoxin from Escherichia coli: characteristics as a soluble microsomal P450 reductase.
In addition to their endogenous roles as an activation system for various Escherichia coli metabolic pathways, the soluble flavoproteins flavodoxin (Fld) and NADPH-flavodoxin (ferredoxin) reductase (Fpr) can serve as an electron-transfer system for microsomal cytochrome P450s. Furthermore, since Fld and Fpr are structurally similar to the functional domains (FMN binding and NADPH/FAD binding domains, respectively) of NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductases (P450 reductases), these bacterial proteins represent a potentially useful model system for eukaryotic P450 reductases. Here we delineate similarities and differences between the E. coli Fpr-Fld system and rat P450 reductase as electron donors to bovine 17alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase P450 (P450c17). Importantly, recombinant Fpr, in combination with recombinant Fld, supports both the hydroxylase and lyase activities of P450c17 to the same proportional extent (hydroxylase-to-lyase ratio) as does P450 reductase. Maximum P450c17 turnover [5-6 mol of 17alpha-OH-progesterone (mol of P450c17)-1 min-1] was achieved using a large molar excess (50-100-fold over P450c17) of a 1:1 ratio of Fpr-Fld, although this rate was an order of magnitude less than the maximal P450 reductase-supported activity. Using these conditions, we have examined the effects of increasing ionic strength and the presence of cytochrome b5 (b5) on these two systems. Critical Fld-P450c17 electrostatic interactions are disrupted at moderate ionic strength (>100 mM NaCl) as evidenced by significant inhibition (>50%) of Fpr-Fld-supported P450c17 activity while much higher ionic strength (300 mM NaCl) is required to disrupt P450 reductase-P450c17 interactions to the same extent. Interestingly, cytochrome b5 was found to dramatically inhibit both P450 reductase- and Fpr-Fld-supported P450c17 progesterone 17alpha-hydroxylase activity while in contrast 17alpha-OH-pregnenolone lyase activity was stimulated by b5. Investigation of the fate of reducing equivalents from NADPH added to Fpr under aerobic conditions revealed that the majority of the protein-bound FAD of Fpr is converted to the hydroquinone form. In constrast, the FMN of Fld is reduced by Fpr to a stable blue, neutral semiquinone which serves as the predominant electron donor to P450c17 in reconstitution assays. Thus, while the Fpr-Fld system and P450 reductase are fundamentally different with respect to their electrostatic interactions with P450c17, their ability to support maximal P450c17 turnover, and the FMN redox states (one-electron-reduced for Fld and two-electron-reduced for P450 reductase) capable of transferring electrons to microsomal cytochrome P450s, these differences do not appear to influence the relative catalytic efficiency of the P450c17 hydroxylase and lyase reactions.


Synthesis of a Novel Quinoline Skeleton Introduced Cationic Polyfluorene Derivative for Multimodal Antimicrobial Application.
A new functional polyfluorene derivative containing quinoline skeleton and quarternary ammonium group (QAG) modified side chains (PFPQ) was synthesized and characterized. The multimodal antimicrobial effect toward Gram-negative E. coli was achieved by the dark toxicity resulting from the quinoline skeleton, QAG, and light toxicity resulting from reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by the main backbone of PFPQ under white light. The mechanism of interaction between PFPQ and bacteria was also demonstrated. PFPQ bound to E. coli mainly through electrostatic interactions causing nearly 50% bacterial death in the absence of light irradiation, and the huge capability of PFPQ to generate ROS under white light opened another bactericidal mode. The killing efficiency was more than 99% upon relatively mild irradiation under white light (400-800 nm) with a light dose of 18 J·cm(-2). PFPQ with the incorporation of quinoline into the backbones will provide a new versatile strategy to achieve the multimodal antimicrobial effect to fight against resistant bacteria.


Danger in the streets: exposures to bloodborne pathogens after community sharp injuries in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Exposures to sharps injuries occurring in the community are relatively frequent. We describe characteristics of community sharp exposures reported in the city of Rio de Janeiro from 1997 to 2010. A cross-sectional analysis of exposure reports to sharps in the community reported to a surveillance system, designed for health care workers, of the Municipal Health Department of Rio de Janeiro. The characteristics of exposed individuals analyzed included types of exposure, the circumstances of the accident, and the prophylaxis offered. 582 exposures were studied. Median age was 30 years and 83 (14%) involved children with less than 10 years of age. Two hundred and seventeen (37%) occurred with sharps found in the streets. The exposure was percutaneous in 515 (89%) and needles where involved in 406 (70%) of them. The sharps were present in the trash in 227 (39%) or in the environment in 167 (29%) of the reports. Professionals who work with frequent contact with domestic or urban waste were 196 (38%). The source was known in 112 (19%) of the exposures and blood was involved in 269 (46%). Only 101 (19%) of the injured subjects reported a complete course of vaccination for hepatitis B. Antiretroviral prophylaxis was prescribed for 392 (68%) of the exposed subjects. Sharps injuries occurring in the community are an important health problem. A great proportion would be avoided if practices on how to dispose needles and sharps used outside health units were implemented.


Morphometric measurements for potential dangers of anterior intra-pelvic approach in women: A cadaveric study.
This study aimed to improve the surgical anatomical knowledge of pelvic/acetabular trauma surgeons by providing detailed morphometric data on some of the most vulnerable arteries and nerves due to constant bony landmarks during anterior intra-pelvic approach fixation of acetabular fractures in women. Ten hemipelvis were dissected from 5 female cadavers. The following measurements relative to the symphysis were performed: (1) the distance of the corona mortis anastomosis and (2) the bisection of the external iliac vein with the pubic ramus. In addition, dis- tance to the pelvic brim at the level of pectineal convexity of the following structures was measured: (3) depth of obturatory neurovascu- lar bundle, (4) superior vesical artery, and (5) vaginal artery. Also, the clock position of the (6) gluteal superior and inferior vessels due to sciatic notch in the supine position. Due to antero-superior corner of sacroiliac joint (7) location of the common iliac artery bifurcation, (8) location of the bifurcation of internal iliac vessels to truncuses, (9) bifurcation of superior gluteal artery and lateral sacral artery, and (10) L5 nerve were measured. The descriptive statistics were given as medians and ranges as this is a descriptive anatomical study without comparisons. The median distance of corona mortis to symphysis pubis was 59.5 mm (range = 58-61). The external iliac vein bisected the pubic arm 68.5 mm (range=65-70) lateral to the symphysis pubis. At the level of pectineal convexity (about the middle of the pelvic brim), obturatory neurovascular bundle, superior vesical artery, and vaginal artery were 15 mm (range=13-16), 24 mm (range=23-25), and 36 mm (range=34-38) inferior to the pelvic brim, respectively. The superior gluteal vessels leave the sciatic notch at 12 o'clock position in supine position. Inferior gluteal vessels leave the sciatic notch at 31⁄2 o'clock position (given for left side). Common iliac artery bifurcation bisects the SI joint 5 mm (4-7) superior to antero-superior corner of the Sacro-iliac (SI) joint. The internal iliac artery gives its posterior trunk 18 mm (range=15-20) straightly anterior to antero-superior corner of the SI joint. Bifurcation of superior gluteal artery and lateral sacral artery was 11 mm (range = 10-12) away from the beginning of the posterior truncus. L5 root's medial margin was 9 mm (range = 7-10) medial to this landmark, where its lateral margin was on the SI joint (2 mm medial to 2 mm lateral). The majority of the bleeding complications of the major branches of the internal and external iliac arteries and neurologic palsies due to obturatory nerve and L5 nerve root damage within the operative field of the anterior intra-pelvic approach can be avoided or managed by utilizing morphometric data provided from this study. N/A.


Efficient Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of an N-glycan Isomer Library.
Quantification, characterization and biofunctional studies of N-glycans on proteins remain challenging tasks due to complexity, diversity and low abundance of these glycans. The availability of structurally defined N-glycans (especially isomers) libraries is essential to help on solving these tasks. We reported herein an efficient chemoenzymatic strategy, namely Core Synthesis/Enzymatic Extension (CSEE), for rapid production of diverse N-glycans. Starting with 5 chemically prepared building blocks, 8 N-glycan core structures containing one or two terminal N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (GlcNAc) residue(s) were chemically synthesized via consistent use of oligosaccharyl thioethers as glycosylation donors in the convergent fragment coupling strategy. Each of these core structures was then extended to 5 to 15 N-glycan sequences by enzymatic reactions catalyzed by 4 robust glycosyltransferases. Success in synthesizing N-glycans with Neu5Gc and core-fucosylation further expanded the ability of enzymatic extension. High performance liquid chromatography with an amide column enabled rapid and efficient purification (>98% purity) of N-glycans in milligram scales. A total of 73 N-glycans (63 isomers) were successfully prepared and characterized by MS2 and NMR. The CSEE strategy provides a practical approach for "mass production" of structurally defined N-glycans, which are important standards and probes for Glycoscience.


Improved ataxia telangiectasia mutated kinase inhibitor KU60019 provides a promising treatment strategy for non-invasive breast cancer.
It has previously been reported that KU60019, as a highly effective radiosensitizer, inhibits the DNA damage response and blocks radiation-induced phosphorylation of key ataxia telangiectasia mutated targets in human glioma cells. The present study investigated whether KU60019 affects cell physiological activities and strengthens the efficacy of doxorubicin-induced DNA damage. It was demonstrated that the compound suppressed the proliferation of MCF-7 cells and significantly increased chemosensitization. In addition, KU60019 (without doxorubicin) inhibited MCF-7 cell motility and invasion, potentially by acting on the phosphorylated-Akt and E-cadherin signaling pathways. Although the majority of MCF-7 cells were arrested at the G1/S phase following treatment with KU60019, the combination of the two compounds did not result in such a marked effect on the cell cycle. In conclusion, KU60019 is a potent chemosensitizer in combination with doxorubicin, therefore, it may provide a promising strategy for non-invasive breast cancer.


Prolonged and monosymptomatic dysphasic status epilepticus.
Dysphasic seizures are an infrequent form of epilepsy, and their serial appearance as a partial status epilepticus is quite exceptional. The young patient reported here had a partial dysphasic status epilepticus of 3 weeks' duration without other temporal lobe seizures. Simultaneous serial electroencephalograms, tape recordings of the seizures, and repeated neuropsychologic ictal examinations permitted studies of increased impairment of neuropsychologic function on testing and the appearance of new irritative discharges on encephalography.


A rat model of diabetic artery calcification.
The aim of this study was to develop a rat model that shares the similarities of calcification in diabetes. Male Wistar rats received a high-fat diet during 8 weeks followed by a low dose of streptozotocin. Half of them were treated with vitamin D3 and nicotine (VDN) 1 week after streptozotocin injection (DM) (DM+VDN). The others were treated with vehicle (DM). Arterial calcification was facilitated by vitamin D3 and nicotine in age-matched rats (VDN). Measurements of metabolic parameters, aortic calcium content, von Kossa staining, alkaline phosphatase activity and immunohistochemistry for osteopontin were performed. The expression of genes and proteins associated with calcification were also examined. Treatment with VDN alone resulted in a small but not significant elevation of calcium content in aorta. However, in DM+VDN, aortic calcium content increased significantly as compared to the VDN. This calcification had also dramatically increased, as shown by von Kossa staining. Mechanistic studies revealed that addition of VDN treatment in diabetic rats enhanced both activity and mRNA expression of alkaline phosphatase. This treatment in diabetic- rats also enhanced the expression of core binding factor α 1 and its downstream protein osteopontin. In aorta, strong immunostaining for osteopontin was observed in DM+VDN. The result was also confirmed by Western blot analysis. These results suggest that a model of accelerated arterial calcification in diabetes have been established and this model could be useful to investigate mechanisms related to vascular complication in diabetes.


[CLINICAL AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PECULIARITIES OF CYSTIC ECHINOCOCCOSIS IN CHILDREN].
The postoperative period of cystic echinococcosis was studied in 13 children. Demographic, epidemiological, clinical diagnosis, treatment, number location, and development of cysts and serologic data were analyzed. Age of children at diagnosis range 5 to 17 years. All patients with cystic echinococcosis had abdominal cysts. The liver was the main organ involved in ten patients (76,9%) - they had cysts located in the liver, two patients (15,4%) had lung cyst, one patient had concomitant lung and liver cysts. Twelve patients had single cysts and one had more than one abdominal cysts. Surgical treatment was performed in 23,1% cases. Ultrasound studies (US) were performed during the monitoring period. Evaluation of cysts was assessed by monitoring US changes. Positive dynamics was revealed in all patients; relapse of the disease was not noticed. Proceeding from the fact that in all patients echoarchitectonics of the hepatic tissue was lumped with a non-uniform structure and uneven ultrasound distribution, it is assumed that these changes are indicative of the development of connective tissue in the liver.


Resveratrol Protects Rat Ovarian Luteinized Granulosa Cells from H2O2-Induced Dysfunction by Activating Autophagy.
Resveratrol performs a variety of biological activities, including the potential regulation of autophagy. However, it is unclear whether resveratrol protects against luteal dysfunction and whether autophagy involves the regulation of resveratrol. This study aims to investigate whether resveratrol can regulate autophagy to resist H2O2-induced luteinized granulosa cell dysfunction in vitro. Our results showed that resveratrol can enhance cell viability, stimulate the secretion of progesterone and estradiol, and resist cell apoptosis in H2O2-induced luteinized granulosa cell dysfunction. Resveratrol can activate autophagy by stimulating the expression of autophagy-related genes at the transcriptional and translational levels and increasing the formation of autophagosomes and autophagolysosomes. Rapamycin, 3-methyladenine, and bafilomycin A1 regulated the levels of autophagy-related genes in H2O2-induced luteinized granulosa cell dysfunction and further confirmed the protective role of autophagy activated by resveratrol. In conclusion, resveratrol activates autophagy to resist H2O2-induced oxidative dysfunction, which is crucial for stabilizing the secretory function of luteinized granulosa cells and inhibiting apoptosis. This study may contribute to revealing the protective effects of resveratrol on resisting luteal dysfunction from the perspective of regulating autophagy.


Dl-3-n-Butylphthalide Promotes Remyelination and Suppresses Inflammation by Regulating AMPK/SIRT1 and STAT3/NF-κB Signaling in Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion.
Demyelination in vascular dementia (VD) is partly attributable to inflammation induced by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH). Remyelination contributes to the recovery of cognitive impairment by inducing the proliferation and differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells. It was previously reported that Dl-3-n-butylphthalide (NBP) promotes cognitive improvement. However, whether NBP can stimulate remyelination and suppress inflammation after CCH remains unclear. To answer this question, the present study investigated the effects of NBP on remyelination in a rat model of CCH established by bilateral carotid artery occlusion. Functional recovery was evaluated with the Morris water maze (MWM) test, and myelin integrity, regeneration of mature oligodendrocytes, and inhibition of astrocyte proliferation were assessed by immunohistochemistry and histologic analysis. Additionally, activation of 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/Sirtuin (SIRT)1 and Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3/nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathways was evaluated by western blotting. The results showed that NBP treatment improved memory and learning performance in CCH rats, which was accompanied by increased myelin integrity and oligodendrocyte regeneration, and reduced astrocyte proliferation and inflammation. Additionally, NBP induced the activation of AMPK/SIRT1 signaling while inhibiting the STAT3/NF-κB pathway. These results indicate that NBP alleviates cognitive impairment following CCH by promoting remyelination and suppressing inflammation via modulation of AMPK/SIRT1 and STAT3/NF-κB signaling.


Using community news media to broaden mental health center prevention efforts.
Community programs of preventive mental health are especially likely to face difficulties during times of fiscal constraint. Mental health professionals should be aware that prevention activities can be developed with limited resources and existing staff, by making use of local news media--newspapers, radio, and television--to educate, support, and inform the public about mental health issues.


Overlapping epidemiologies of hepatitis A and typhoid fever: the needs of the traveler.
Hepatitis A and typhoid fever are endemic infectious diseases in many parts of the world. They share a common, simple mode of transmission--the fecal--oral route-associated with poor hygiene. The low endemicity of both diseases in developed countries, and the rise in travel to exotic destinations for business and leisure, mean that increasing numbers of travelers are being exposed to infection. Effective, established vaccines are available against both diseases, and recently new formulations combining both vaccines in one injection have been licensed. We review the present epidemiologic situation for both diseases, to determine the necessity to routinely vaccinate travelers against both diseases.


Testosterone can initiate spermatogenesis in an immature nonhuman primate, Macaca fascicularis.
Four 1-yr-old, i.e. immature, monkeys (M. fascicularis) were treated with testosterone. For the first 21 weeks, they received testosterone capsules sc; thereafter for the remainder of 1 yr, they received weekly injections of 125 mg testosterone enanthate. Four similarly aged monkeys served as untreated controls. The testosterone enanthate injections produced a peak level of 345 +/- 70 nmol/liter (mean +/- SD) after 24 h and the levels were 187 +/- 39 nmol/liter 7 days later. The overall mean level of circulating testosterone in the untreated monkeys was 3.5 +/- 1.1 nmol/liter. Testicular volumes of the treated monkeys became 6 times larger than those of the untreated monkeys. The testicular testosterone concentrations of the treated monkeys were about 2- to 4-fold greater than those of untreated immature monkeys but no more than 82% of the normal adult range. Spermatogenesis in varying degrees of completeness was found in the testes of all four treated monkeys. Moreover, sperm, including some motile cells were found in the ejaculates of two monkeys. These data lead to the conclusion that spermatogenesis can be initiated, although not quantitatively, in an immature nonhuman primate by testosterone treatment.


Guillain-Barré syndrome in children: a cooperative study in Taiwan.
Seventy-two children with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), diagnosed at 11 major teaching hospitals in Taiwan during the period 1986-1990, were studied retrospectively. There were 44 males and 28 females ranging in age from 7 months to 15 years. Preceding events could be traced in 61 patients (85%), including antecedent infection in 59 patients and previous vaccination in 2. As well as the consistent pictures of progressive weakness and generalized hyporeflexia, there were sensory complaints (26%), cranial nerve lesions (46%), respiratory failure (14%) and autonomic dysfunction (25%). Motor symptoms reached a maximum within 20 days in 88% of the patients, with the plateau lasting less than 2 weeks in 75%, and became stable within 3 months in 76%. Overall outcome showed complete recovery in 73% of the patients within 6 months after onset. Four (5.6%) had recurrence, and there was no mortality. The present study revealed that the annual incidence of GBS in Taiwan can be estimated roughly as 0.66 per 100,000 and that the course of childhood GBS is relatively benign.


Photocatalytic performance of freestanding tetragonal zirconia nanotubes formed in H2O2/NH4F/ethylene glycol electrolyte by anodisation of zirconium.
ZrO2 nanotubes (ZrNTs) were produced by anodisation of zirconium foil in H2O2/NH4F/ethylene glycol electrolyte. The as-anodised foils were then soaked in the anodising electrolyte for 12 h. Soaking weakens the adherence of the anodic layer from the substrate resulting in freestanding ZrNTs (FS-ZrNTs). Moreover, the presence of H2O2 in the electrolyte also aids in weakening the adhesion of the film from the foil, as foil anodised in electrolyte without H2O2 has good film adherence. The as-anodised FS-ZrNTs film was amorphous and crystallised to predominantly tetragonal phase upon annealing at >300 °C. Annealing must, however, be done at <500 °C to avoid monoclinic ZrO2 formation and nanotubes disintegration. FS-ZrNTs annealed at 450 °C exhibited the highest photocatalytic ability to degrade methyl orange (MO), whereby 82% MO degradation was observed after 5 h, whereas FS-ZrNTs with a mixture of monoclinic and tetragonal degraded 70% of MO after 5 h.


Taxonomy of the genus Doryllium Cobb, 1920 (Nematoda: Dorylaimida) with description of two new and a known species.
Two new and a known species of the genus Doryllium Cobb, 1920 are described and illustrated. Doryllium enigmatum n. sp. is characterized by a body length of 0.40-0.52 mm; continuous lip region; rounded lips; asymmetrical odontostyle, 5-6 µm long, and flanged odontophore 9-11 µm in length; pharynx with slender anterior part which expands into a slightly constricted pyriform basal bulb, occupying about 16-18% of total neck length; mono-opisthodelphic female genital system; 7-9 μm long anterior uterine sac; transverse vulva and rounded-hemispheroid tail. Doryllium asymmetricum n. sp. is characterized by its 0.52-0.63 mm long body; cap-like, slightly offset lip region; asymmetrical odontostyle, 6 µm in length and 9-11 µm long odontophore with weak flanges; pharynx with slender anterior part which expands gradually into pear-shaped basal bulb, occupying about 16.4-18.5% of total neck length; mono-opisthodelphic female genital system; anterior uterine sac 17-30 μm in length, filled with sperms; transverse vulva and rounded-hemispheroid tail. D. minor is redescribed based on specimens collected from several localities in India and Germany. The diagnosis of the genus Doryllium is emended and a valid list of species with their synonymies and a diagnostic compendium of all the known species is provided.


Infrared Plasmonics with Conductive Ternary Nitrides.
Conductive transition metal nitrides are emerging as promising alternative plasmonic materials that are refractory and CMOS-compatible. In this work, we show that ternary transition metal nitrides of the B1 structure and consisting of a combination of group-IVb transition metal, such as Ti or Zr, and group III (Sc, Y, Al) or group II (Mg, Ca) elements can have tunable plasmonic activity in the infrared range in contrast to Ta-based ternary nitrides, which exhibit plasmonic performance in the visible and UV ranges. We consider the intrinsic quality factors of surface plasmon polariton for the ternary nitrides, and we calculate the dispersion of surface plasmon polariton and the field enhancement at the vicinity of nitride/silica interfaces. Based on these calculations, it is shown that among these nitrides the most promising are TixSc1-xN and TixMg1-xN. In particular, TixSc1-xN can have plasmonic activity in the usual telecom bands at 850, 1300, and 1550 nm. Still, these nitrides exhibit substantial electronic losses mostly due to fine crystalline grains that deteriorate the plasmonic field enhancement. This unequivocally calls for improved growth processes that would enable the fabrication of such ternary nitrides of high crystallinity.


Association Study of Common Variants in PFN1 With Hypertension in a Han Chinese Population: A Case-Control Study and A Follow-up Study.
Animal researches reported that the dysfunction of profilin1 (PFN1) was involved in the physiological arterial stiffness and vascular remodeling linking to the etiology of hypertension (HT). This study mainly aims at evaluating the association of PFN1 and HT in a Han Chinese population. A case-control study consisted of 2,012 HT cases and 2,210 controls was conducted and 2,116 participants from the healthy controls were further followed up for average 5.01 years. Logistic and Cox regression models were applied to evaluate the association of 4 tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of PFN1 and ENO3 with HT. There was no significant association of the 4 SNPs between HT cases and controls even after adjustment for confounding factors (P > 0.05). Haplotype analysis did not identify any significant haplotype with HT. There were no statistical difference of systolic blood pressure (BP) and diastolic BP among different genotypes in antihypertensive-treated group and untreated group. In follow-up population, there was no significant association of candidate SNPs with HT even after adjustment for covariates (all P > 0.05). Of note, the plasma profilin1 level of HT cases was significantly higher than that of control subjects (P = 0.011). The profilin1 levels of controls significantly decreased with variation of rs238243 at PFN1 (P = 0.041), and the profilin1 levels of HT cases increased with variation of rs238238 at ENO3 (P = 0.004). Our results suggest that HT cases displayed an elevated plasma profilin1. Variants of rs238243 and rs238238 might regulate profilin1 expression by epigenetic modification and indirectly affects the susceptible threshold of HT.


Using Population Based Data on Drugs Abuse to Estimate the Relative Need for Medical Services in Thailand.
Epidemiological background shows a trend in drug abuse and essential need for revising its strategic plans, allocating resources, and advocating services for populations. The relative need for drug abuse prevention and medical services across different geographic areas of Thailand, which has been examined through an analysis of existing population-based datasets and reported routinely. The objective was to develop an indicator of relative need for drug abuse prevention and medical services. Qualitative data were collected as primary data sources from 10 focus group discussions throughout Thailand. The primary data were integrated into study framework with the result from literature review. Data sets in 2011 were retrieved from the national databank to obtain variables regarding drug abuse. Multiple regression and factor analysis were undertaken using the district as the unit of analysis. A factor analysis, which revealed six factors that explained 64% of the variance in the data set. Factors identified in the analysis were taken as indicators of variation in the need for services as all of the drugs-related variables loaded strongly on these factors. The distribution of ranks for factor scores (determined through regression) obtained for these factors across districts in Thailand showed that scores were highest in urban and suburban areas. In terms of practical implications, the study results could be used for resource allocation in medical service plans for community drug abuse.


Lumbar idiopathic intervertebral disc calcification associated with ossification of the ligamentum flavum in adult: a case report.
A 23 year-old female was diagnosed with lumbar idiopathic intervertebral disc calcification associated with ossification of OLF. The patient underwent posterior decompression and posterolateral fusion with pedicle screw fixation, which achieved excellent clinical improvement. Surgical intervention of a posterior approach for decompression and instrumented fusion is indicated in cases that the spinal cord compression with neurologic deficits was involved.


Diffuse pulmonary meningotheliomatosis - a case report.
Diffuse pulmonary meningotheliomatosis is a rare condition of the lung that presents with nonspecific respiratory symptoms, and usually follows a benign course. It should, however, be considered in the differential diagnosis of a miliary pattern on chest-imaging studies, as illustrated in the case reported.


Gaussian process model for extrapolation of scattering observables for complex molecules: From benzene to benzonitrile.
We consider a problem of extrapolating the collision properties of a large polyatomic molecule A-H to make predictions of the dynamical properties for another molecule related to A-H by the substitution of the H atom with a small molecular group X, without explicitly computing the potential energy surface for A-X. We assume that the effect of the -H →-X substitution is embodied in a multidimensional function with unknown parameters characterizing the change of the potential energy surface. We propose to apply the Gaussian Process model to determine the dependence of the dynamical observables on the unknown parameters. This can be used to produce an interval of the observable values which corresponds to physical variations of the potential parameters. We show that the Gaussian Process model combined with classical trajectory calculations can be used to obtain the dependence of the cross sections for collisions of C6H5CN with He on the unknown parameters describing the interaction of the He atom with the CN fragment of the molecule. The unknown parameters are then varied within physically reasonable ranges to produce a prediction uncertainty of the cross sections. The results are normalized to the cross sections for He - C6H6 collisions obtained from quantum scattering calculations in order to provide a prediction interval of the thermally averaged cross sections for collisions of C6H5CN with He.


Overexpression of Global Regulator PbrlaeA Leads to the Discovery of New Polyketide in Fungus Penicillium Brocae HDN-12-143.
Overexpression of the PbrlaeA gene of the fungus Penicillium brocae HDN-12-143 resulted in the isolation of four compounds including fumigatin chlorohydrin (1), whose configuration has not been reported before, and one new compound iso-fumigatin chlorohydrin (2). All structures including absolute configurations were elucidated on the basis of comprehensive spectroscopic data, 13C NMR calculations, and ECD calculations. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited cytotoxic activity against HL-60 with IC50 of 18.63 and 24.83 μM.


Mortality rates due to diseases of the circulatory system (DCS) in Ribeirão Preto - SP, from 1980 to 2004.
In terms of epidemiologic transition, century-long trend studies may act as subsidies for health management hypotheses. Identify mortality rate pattern for diseases of the circulatory system (DCS) in Ribeirão Preto, SP (RP-SP), in the period between 1980 and 2004. The number of deaths due to DCS were obtained from the Mortality Information System (SIM). Populational estimates for RP-SP - taking gender, age group, and calendar years into account - were obtained from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). Specific mortality rates were calculated on yearly basis according to gender and age group in 10-year intervals starting at 30 years of age. The trend analysis was conducted through polynomial regression models for time series. Significance level was < 0.05. Specific mortality rates due to DCS increased with age both among males and females, being higher among males in the 40 to 49-year-old range. After that, figures were comparable, although at 80-year-old age groups data for females showed to be higher than that for males in some years of the series. Along the study period, significant reduction was observed for mortality rates among both males and females, and for all age ranges from those causes (p<0.001). Mortality rate pattern due to DCS in RP-SP was similar to that found in developed areas, which helped formulate hypotheses on the likely protection factors that may explain the observed decline.


Variation in perceived health across gender, working status, educational level, and regional health care expenditure in Spain (2014-2017).
A gender perspective was used to analyze whether and how education, unemployment, and per capita public health expenditure were associated with perceived health among the Spanish population between the years 2014 and 2017. Using multilevel methodologies (looking at year, individual, and region) and linear and logistic specifications, we analyzed longitudinal microdata files from the Survey on Living Conditions. The results suggest that women with lower educational levels tend to report worse health than their more educated counterparts. On the other hand, women's bad health was not associated with unemployment, unlike men's. Regional per capita public health expenditure was not associated with perceived health in either men or women.


Treatment of right heart failure with a new microaxial blood pump.
Isolated postcardiotomy right ventricular failure is rare but associated with a high mortality. Therefore, new developments reducing this mortality are necessary. We report our first successful clinical use of a new paracardiac right ventricular microaxial blood pump which was developed for postcardiotomy right heart failure.


Tolerability of pemetrexed and oxaliplatin in the treatment of stage III colon cancer during raltitrexed shortage.
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies diagnosed in Canada. Currently, adjuvant colorectal cancer treatment primarily includes chemotherapeutic regimens such as FOLFOX6 (5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin) or CAPOX (capecitabine, oxaliplatin), as well as alternative regimens such as TOMOX (raltitrexed, oxaliplatin). However, the prevalence of drug shortages in today's society may make these preferred regimens inaccessible. The purpose of this case report is to highlight the tolerability of an alternative adjuvant regimen (pemetrexed plus oxaliplatin) that has undergone both phase I and II clinical trials for the treatment of colorectal cancer. The patient presented in this case report is a 57-year-old female diagnosed with Stage III colon cancer. This patient received seven cycles of pemetrexed plus oxaliplatin and experienced several adverse events, with the majority of them being mild in nature including fatigue and cold dysesthesia. However, the patient also experienced progressive neuropathy which required a dose reduction and subsequent discontinuation of oxaliplatin. Overall, pemetrexed and oxaliplatin's tolerability seems comparable to other regimens used to treat colorectal cancer and could potentially be an option to consider in the future for alternative treatment of colorectal cancer pending further trials.


Phytoestrogens: a review of recent findings.
Phytoestrogens have been investigated at the epidemiological, clinical and molecular levels to determine their potential health benefits. The two major groups of phytoestrogens, isoflavones and lignans, are abundant in soy products and flax respectively, but are also present in a variety of other foods. It is thought that these estrogen-like compounds may protect against chronic diseases, such as hormone-dependent cancers, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. Furthermore, phytoestrogens are used as a natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy and to reduce menopausal symptoms. Phytoestrogens have been shown to induce both estrogenic and anti-estrogenic effects but their biological relevance and potency have not been well characterized. In children, consumption of soy-based formulas and soy milk can lead to high levels of exposure to phytoestrogens with only limited data available concerning potential benefits or adverse effects. Phytoestrogens are considered good candidates for use in natural therapies and as chemopreventive agents in adults. Safe and efficacious levels have yet to be established.


Prevalence and Predictors of Anxiety in Doctor of Physical Therapy Students.
Anxiety is a condition with multiple physical manifestations and sequelae, including negatively impacting learning. The prevalence of anxiety and the factors that predict it in health professions students are unknown. The current study assessed the prevalence of anxiety in DPT students and examined the predictors of anxiety. The findings showed high student anxiety levels that were analogous to military recruits. Female gender and low GPA were predictors of anxiety in the sample. Further research is necessary to determine other factors that contribute to anxiety so that interventions to reduce anxiety in health professions students can be initiated.


Upregulation of RelB in the miR-122 knockout mice contributes to increased levels of proinflammatory chemokines/cytokines in the liver and macrophages.
MicroRNA-122 (miR-122) is the most abundant miRNA in the liver and it plays an important role in regulating liver metabolism and tumor formation. Previous studies also reveal an anti-inflammatory function of miR-122; however, relatively little is known about the mechanisms by which miR-122 suppresses inflammation. This study aims to search the effect of miR-122 on proinflammatory chemokines/cytokines production in mice. Quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot analysis, and ELISA were performed to examine gene expression. TargetScan, miRanda, and microT v3.0 were used to search for possible miR-122 target sites in the 3'-untranslated regions (3'-UTR) of candidate genes. Luciferase reporter assay and site-directed mutagenesis were applied to verify miR-122 target sequences. LPS was applied to peritoneal macrophages and mice to evaluate inflammatory response. The expression of proinflammatory chemokines, including Ccl2, Ccl4, Ccl20, Cxcl2, and Cxcl10, and Relb in the livers of miR-122 knockout (KO) mice was increased. We identified Relb as a direct miR-122 target. Overexpressing RelB in the mouse liver increased the expression of Ccl2, Ccl4, Ccl20, Cxcl2, and Cxcl10. Peritoneal macrophages from miR-122 KO mice had a higher level of RelB, and they showed a stronger NF-κB activation and more TNF-α and IL-6 secretion after LPS stimulation. Overexpression of RelB in a macrophage cell line augmented LPS-induced TNF-α and IL-6 production. miR-122 KO mice showed a greatly increased mortality rate and generated a stronger and lasting inflammatory response to LPS. Deletion of miR-122 caused an upregulation of proinflammatory chemokines and RelB in the liver. Increased RelB may contribute to increases in these chemokine in the liver. Intriguingly, deletion of miR-122 also enhanced the sensitivity of macrophages and mice to LPS. Our results reveal that reducing RelB expression is a new mechanism by which miR-122 regulates inflammation.


A plastic interval timer synchronizes pubertal development of summer- and fall-born hamsters.
Summer and fall decreases in day length induce reproductive regression in adult hamsters and delay reproductive maturation of their young. The following year pubertal development is triggered by an interval timer (IT) that renders animals refractory to inhibitory short day lengths after approximately 25 wk. Timing of gonadal and somatic development was examined among offspring born to Siberian hamsters in early-August vs. late-September day lengths. Pubertal maturation was delayed in both groups until late winter. Gonadal growth occurred at significantly later ages among August- vs. September-born males as did late-winter spurts in ponderal growth of both sexes. Timing of reproductive and somatic development depended on postnatal rather than prenatal photoperiod exposure and was unrelated to the circadian entrainment status of dams. When developmental patterns were assessed in relation to time of year, group differences were largely eliminated. Because the IT triggers these developmental events, its duration must be plastic. This plasticity facilitates a relative synchronization or entrainment of developmental milestones in hamsters born into different late-summer/early-fall photoperiods.


Monocausal attribution and its relationship with reasoning biases in schizophrenia.
Aberrant attributional styles are counted to a set of circumscribed cognitive biases that are implicated in the pathogenesis of (paranoid) psychosis. However, evidence for a specific profile (e.g., an exaggerated self-serving bias, other-blaming bias) has become equivocal over the years. More recently, one-sided (monocausal) attributions have been reported in patients with psychosis. We compared a large sample of patients with diagnosed schizophrenia (n=145) to nonclinical controls (n=30) on a revised version of the Internal, Personal and Situational Attributions Questionnaire (IPSAQ-R). In this task, participants have to assign probability estimates to each of three potential causes (i.e., myself, others, circumstances) for a specific (negative or positive) event. Participants with schizophrenia displayed an abolished self-serving bias and showed a significant preference for one-sided/monocausal attributions, which was neither correlated with jumping to conclusions nor overconfidence in errors. School education correlated with less monocausal attributions. We did not find any congruence between attributional styles with core delusional ideas. Our study corroborates earlier investigations showing that monocausal attributions may play a role in the pathogenesis of psychosis; this bias unlikely represents an epiphenomenon of established biases. Unexpectedly, attributional styles (e.g., external-blaming) did not shape delusional contents. The true prevalence of monocausal attributions in psychosis is perhaps underestimated in the study, as groups were equated on school education, which was correlated with monocausal attributions.


Impact of Water Treatment on Anemia in Hemodialysis Patients.
The microbiological quality of water in the dialysate used in hemodialysis has been suggested as a contributor to inflammation, and a link between dialysate purity, inflammation, and responsiveness to erythropoietin therapy has been suggested in many studies. The level of endotoxin might induce inflammation and resistance to erythropoietin therapy in dialysis patients. We aimed to compare the effect of using the central dialysis fluid delivery system (CDDS) versus the single-patient dialysis fluid delivery system (SPDDS) on anemia in prevalent hemodialysis patients. In a prospective cohort study, 100 adult prevalent hemodialysis patients with T-SAT ≥20% were divided into two equal groups: CDDS and SPDDS. Endotoxin in water sample and routine investigations (hemoglobin, serum Ca+, serum Po4-, PTH, and urea level) were done. CRP, erythropoietin resistivity index (ERI), and erythropoietin stimulating agents (ESAs) doses were assessed repeatedly to assess inflammatory and anemia states. Endotoxin level in the dialysis fluid of the CDDS group was significantly lower compared to the SPDDS group (0.05 vs. 0.11 EU/ml, P = 0.001). CRP level decreased significantly after 3 months in the CDDS group (P < 0.001) compared to the SPDDS group (P = 0.54), with significant improvement in the hemoglobin level and ERI at 3 months in the CDDS group and decrease in ESA requirements. Improvement in dialysis liquid purity reduces inflammatory markers in prevalent hemodialysis patients, improves ERI, and decreases ESA requirements in renal anemia.


Mechanism study on a new antimicrobial peptide Sphistin derived from the N-terminus of crab histone H2A identified in haemolymphs of Scylla paramamosain.
Histone H2A is known to participate in host immune defense through generating special antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), for which it has been an interesting research focus to characterize this kind of peptides in vertebrates and invertebrates. Although thousands of AMPs have been reported in variety of life species, only several AMPs are known in crabs and in particular no H2A-derived AMP has yet been reported. In the present study, a 38-amino acid peptide with antimicrobial activity was determined based on the sequence analysis of a histone H2A identified from the mud crab Scylla paramamosain. The histone H2A derived peptide was an AMP-like molecule and designated as Sphistin. Sphistin showed typical features of AMPs such as amphiphilic α-helical second structrue and positive charge net. The synthetic Sphistin exerted high antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria and yeast, among which Aeromonas hydrophila, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Pseudomonas stutzeri are important aquatic pathogens. Leakage of the cell content and disruption of the cell surface were observed in bacterial cells treated with Sphistin using scanning electron microscopy. It was proved that the increasing cytoplasmic membrane permeability of Escherichia coli was caused by Sphistin. Further observation under confocal microscopy showed that Sphistin could combine onto the membrane of Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli MC1061 and Pichia pastoris but not translocate into the cytoplasm. Moreover, the affinity of Sphistin with either LPS or LTA was also testified that there was an interaction between Sphistin and cell membrane. Thus, the antimicrobial mechanism of this peptide likely exerted via adsorption and subsequently permeabilization of the bacterial cell membranes other than penetrating cell membrane. In addition, synthetic Sphistin exhibited no cytotoxicity to primary cultured crab haemolymphs and mammalian cells even at a high concentration of 100 μg/mL for 24 h. This is the first report of a histone-derived Sphistin identified from S. paramamosain with a specific antimicrobial activity and mechanism, which could be a new candidate for future application in aquaculture and veterinary medicine.


The family of sensorimotor gating disorders: comorbidities or diagnostic overlaps?
Prepulse inhibition (PPI) of startle is an operational measure of the pre-attentive filtering process known as sensorimotor gating. Originally identified in patients with schizophrenia, PPI deficits have been observed in multiple but not all psychiatric disorders. Thus, as with most signs and symptoms of psychiatric disorders, deficits in PPI cut across diagnostic categories. It remains unclear whether the diversity of disorders exhibiting deficient PPI bespeaks diagnostic overlaps or comorbidities. Given the recent focus on treatments for cognitive deficits of schizophrenia independently of treating psychosis, the relationship of PPI deficits to cognitive deficits becomes of interest. Although PPI cannot be considered to be a cognitive process per se, abnormalities in pre-attentive information processing may be predictive of or lead to complex cognitive deficits. Animal models of PPI deficits produced by dopamine agonists reliably predict existing antipsychotics. Nevertheless, since neither PPI nor cognitive deficits in schizophrenia are ameliorated by standard antipsychotics, current research is exploring the predictive value of non-dopaminergic PPI models in identifying treatments for gating disturbances independently of their relevance to specific disorders. Both PPI and cognitive deficits in schizophrenia patients are not reversed by first generation antipsychotics but may be attenuated by clozapine. Similarly, effects of glutamate antagonists on symptoms in patients and PPI in animals appear to be reduced by clozapine. Hence, treatment-induced reversals of deficits in PPI produced by glutamate antagonists may provide animal, and human, models to aid in the discovery of treatments of cognitive deficits in patients already treated with existing antipsychotics.


Freezing protocols for the cryopreservation of immature testicular tissue - a systematic review.
Increasing numbers of childhood cancer survivors reach adulthood making therapy induced infertility a growing concern. Sperm cryopreservation is not possible prior to puberty. Testicular tissue cryopreservation has been proposed as an alternative fertility preservation method for prepubertal males but no standardised cryopreservation procedure for immature tissue has been agreed to date. Here we review the current literature of cryopreservation protocols to determine which method best preserves the morphology and function of immature testicular tissue; and to examine which tissue intervention, grafting or tissue culture, is mostly likely to restore fertility. Embase, Medline, and Web of Science were systematically searched using relevant MeSH headings and search terms for testis, cryopreservation, and fertility preservation. This systematic search returned 4748 unique entries which were screened for relevance. Eleven studies were found to be eligible and were included in the systematic review. We found that cryopreservation protocols differ in freezing rate and cryoprotectant media, the optimum combination of which for ITT has yet to be determined. Further investigations must be carried out to decipher which method best preserves tissue integrity and function and which application method is most likely to induce spermatogenesis.


GDP/GTP exchange reaction-stimulating activity of Rabphilin-3A for Rab3A small GTP-binding protein.
Rabphilin-3A is a putative target protein for Rab3A, a small GTP-binding protein particularly implicated in neurotransmitter release. Rabphilin-3A interacts more preferentially with GTP-Rab3A than with GDP-Rab3A. Moreover, Rabphilin-3A shows a weak activity to stimulate the GTPase activity of Rab3A and a strong activity to inhibit the Rab3A GTPase-activating protein (GAP)-stimulated GTPase activity of Rab3A. Here, we show that Rabphilin-3A has another activity to stimulate the GDP/GTP exchange reaction of Rab3A. Rabphilin-3A may keep Rab3A continuously in the GTP-bound form by converting again GDP-Rab3A, which may be converted from GTP-Rab3A by Rab3A GAP, to GTP-Rab3A, until the function of Rab3A is accomplished.


NitroSpeed-Carba NP Test for Rapid Detection and Differentiation between Different Classes of Carbapenemases in Enterobacterales.
A biochemical test (NitroSpeed-Carba NP test) was developed to identify carbapenemase production in Enterobacterales and to discriminate between the different types of clinically significant carbapenemases (Ambler classes A, B, and D). It is based on two main features, namely, the hydrolysis by all β-lactamases, including carbapenemases of the nitrocefin substrate, and the capacity of ertapenem to prevent this hydrolysis for all β-lactamases except carbapenemases. Specific carbapenemase inhibitors of class A (avibactam, vaborbactam), class B (dipicolinic acid), and class D (avibactam) were used to inhibit the nitrocefin hydrolysis and to allow the identification of the carbapenemase types with a turnaround time of ca. 30 min. The test was evaluated with a collection of 248 clinical enterobacterial isolates, including 148 carbapenemase producers and 100 non-carbapenemase producers. Its overall sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 97%, respectively, including detection of all types of OXA-48-like carbapenemases. For the detection of the carbapenemase type, including strains that produce double carbapenemases, the sensitivity was 100%, 97%, and 100% for the detection of classes A, B, and D, respectively. This easy-to-implement test may contribute to optimization of the choice of the β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations for treating infection due to carbapenemase producers.


Stent alone treatment for dissections and dissecting aneurysms involving the basilar artery.
Dissections and dissecting aneurysms involving the basilar artery (BA) are rare lesions with a poor prognosis, and controversies exist on treatment strategy. We describe the clinical presentation, radiologic features, and clinical outcomes of 11 consecutive patients with these lesions, treated using stent alone placement. 11 patients were studied (10 men, one woman), with a mean age of 51 years (range 30-68 years). Clinical and angiographic data were reviewed retrospectively. It was technically feasible to place stents in all 11 cases, and a multiple stents technique was used in nine patients. Procedure related posterior circulation ischemic complications occurred in two cases. One patient presenting with locked-in syndrome died of a pulmonary embolism 3 months after treatment although the clinical condition was gradually improving after stent placement. In the other eight cases, improvement in initial symptoms or a stable condition was observed on follow-up at 1-48 months. Angiographic follow-up was obtained in nine cases using DSA (n=8) or CT angiography (n=1). Successful occlusion of the aneurysm or dissection sac was noted in two cases, BA occlusion in one case, disappearance of double lumen sign in one case, and delayed retention of contrast medium in one case. For the remaining four patients there was no change in the configuration of the lesions on follow-up angiographic results. Stent alone treatment as a potential and disputable alternative therapeutic option for the treatment of BA dissection and dissecting aneurysms, although technically feasible, was effective in only certain lesions, and this treatment carries substantial risks of complications and a high failure rate. The true effect of this strategy is questionable. A study involving larger populations and a longer follow-up is necessary to evaluate the efficacy of this treatment modality.


Plastid genomes of the North American Rhus integrifolia-ovata complex and phylogenomic implications of inverted repeat structural evolution in Rhus L.
Plastid genomes (plastomes) represent rich sources of information for phylogenomics, from higher-level studies to below the species level. The genus Rhus (sumac) has received a significant amount of study from phylogenetic and biogeographic perspectives, but genomic studies in this genus are lacking. Rhus integrifolia and R. ovata are two shrubby species of high ecological importance in the southwestern USA and Mexico, where they occupy coastal scrub and chaparral habitats. They hybridize frequently, representing a fascinating system in which to investigate the opposing effects of hybridization and divergent selection, yet are poorly characterized from a genomic perspective. In this study, complete plastid genomes were sequenced for one accession of R. integrifolia and one each of R. ovata from California and Arizona. Sequence variation among these three accessions was characterized, and PCR primers potentially useful in phylogeographic studies were designed. Phylogenomic analyses were conducted based on a robustly supported phylogenetic framework based on 52 complete plastomes across the order Sapindales. Repeat content, rather than the size of the inverted repeat, had a stronger relative association with total plastome length across Sapindales when analyzed with phylogenetic least squares regression. Variation at the inverted repeat boundary within Rhus was striking, resulting in major shifts and independent gene losses. Specifically, rps19 was lost independently in the R. integrifolia-ovata complex and in R. chinensis, with a further loss of rps22 and a major contraction of the inverted repeat in two accessions of the latter. Rhus represents a promising novel system to study plastome structural variation of photosynthetic angiosperms at and below the species level.


Clinical Effect of Qili Qiangxin Capsule Combined with Sacubitril-Valsartan in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure.
The clinical effect of Qili Qiangxin capsule combined with sacubitril-valsartan on patients with chronic heart failure was studied. We selected 108 patients with chronic heart failure in our hospital from March 2016 to January 2020 and divided them into a control group and a study group according to the random table method, with 54 cases in each. The control group took sacubitril and valsartan orally, and the study group took Qili Qiangxin pill on the basis of sacubitril and valsartan. The course of the treatment for 2 groups is 4 weeks. We compared the total effective rate of the treatment of the 2 groups for 4 weeks, cardiac function (left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)) before and after 4 weeks of treatment, 6 min walking distance (6MWT), changes in cTnI and NT-proBNP levels, and adverse reactions. The total effective rate in the study group (90.74%) is higher than that in the control group (72.22%) (P<0.05). After 4 weeks of treatment, the study group LVESV (45.23 ± 2.98 mm) and LVEDV (43.38 ± 4.01 mm) are lower than those of the control group ((49.98 ± 2.56 mm) and (50.75 ± 3.49 mm), respectively), while LVEF (47.38 ± 2.78%) is higher than that in the control group (42.08 ± 3.24%) (P < 0.05). After 4 weeks of treatment, the study group 6MWT (476.58 ± 31.25 m) of patients with chronic heart failure is higher than that of the control group (396.52 ± 24.52 m) (P <0.05). After 4 weeks of treatment, the study group serum cTnI (0.36 ± 0.12 μg/L) and NT-proBNP (276.91 ± 30.12 pg/ml) of patients with chronic heart failure are lower than those in the control group (0.87 ± 0.25 μg/L) and (367.48 ± 48.57 pg/ml) (P<0.05). There is no significant difference between the adverse reactions in the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Xinbao pills combined with sacubitril and valsartan have a good effect on patients with chronic heart failure, which can improve the heart function and exercise endurance and reduce serum cTnI and NT-proBNP levels.


Genetic mapping of Ty elements in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
We used transformation to insert a selectable marker at various sites in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome occupied by the transposable element Ty. The vector CV9 contains the LEU2+ gene and a portion of the repeated element Ty1-17. Transformation with this plasmid resulted in integration of the vector via a reciprocal exchange using homology at the LEU2 locus or at the various Ty elements that are dispersed throughout the S. cerevisiae genome. These transformants were used to map genetically sites of several Ty elements. The 24 transformants recovered at Ty sites define 19 distinct loci. Seven of these were placed on the genetic map. Two classes of Ty elements were identified in these experiments: a Ty1-17 class and Ty elements different from Ty1-17. Statistical analysis of the number of transformants at each class of Ty elements shows that there is preferential integration of the CV9 plasmid into the Ty1-17 class.


Ca2+ oscillatory pattern in fertilized mouse eggs affects gene expression and development to term.
The Ca2+ oscillations initiated by the fertilizing sperm (but terminating concomitant with pronucleus formation) apparently ensure that the events constituting egg activation occur in the correct temporal order; early events (e.g., cortical granule exocytosis) require fewer oscillations than later events (e.g., recruitment of maternal mRNA). Whether the Ca2+ signaling events impact long-term development, in particular development to term, is unknown. Using fertilized eggs that have undergone the first few Ca2+ oscillations, we developed procedures that result either in inhibiting or stimulating the natural pattern of Ca2+ signaling of inseminated eggs. Although the incidence of development to the blastocyst stage is unaltered by these procedures, fewer offspring are born following embryo transfer, indicating that developmental competence of the blastocysts is reduced. Interestingly, embryo transfer experiments reveal that when the natural regime of Ca2+ oscillations is precociously interrupted, the incidence of implantation is compromised whereas hyper-stimulation of Ca2+ signaling events compromises post-implantation development. Moreover, although there was no major difference in the overall growth rates of the offspring, those obtained following hyper-stimulation exhibited a far greater variability in their weight. Analysis of global patterns of gene expression by microarray analysis revealed that approximately 20% of the transcripts are mis-regulated when too few oscillations are experienced by the embryo and EASE analysis indicates that genes preferentially involved in RNA processing and polymerase II transcription are differentially affected. In addition, a set of genes involved in cell adhesion is also mis-expressed and could thus be mechanistically linked to the observed reduced implantation. Only about 3% of the transcripts were mis-regulated following hyper-stimulation, and EASE analysis indicates that genes preferentially involved in metabolism are differentially affected. In toto, these results indicate that a range Ca2+ signaling events following fertilization (an excess or reduction) has long-term effects on both gene expression and development to term.


[Lung cancer and its epigenetics association with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].
Lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Development of lung cancer involves both genetic and environment factors. In addition to genetic alterations, epigenetic mechanism is closely involved in pathogenesis of lung cancer. Characterized by an abnormal persistent inflammatory response to noxious environmental stimulation, COPD has shown to increase the susceptibility for lung tumorigenesis in previous research. Current research on epigenetics of lung cancer and COPD has focused on aberrant DNA methylation, histone acetylation and non-coding RNAs regulation. The aberrant DNA methylation associated with lung cancer and COPD has included overexpression of DNA methyltransferase, global DNA hypomethylation and DNA hypermethylation in promoter regions, while histone acetylation and histone methylation are the major changes for histone modification, in which histone acetyltransferases, histone deacetylases, histone methyltransferases and histone demethylases play the most important roles. RNA interference and microRNAs are both hot topics of research on non-coding RNAs regulation. Understanding of concurrent epigenetic alterations in the pathogenesis of lung cancer and COPD may facilitate identification of specific therapeutic targets and development of effective treatment.